Different Exam Syllabuses

[the doctor]

Hi everyone

I'm new to this forum and have just started teaching (only beginners and not any pupils who are wokring towards exams yet).  I'm just wondering what exam syllabuses do you all teach?  I'm based in London and we have either the ABRSM exams or Trinity Guildhall - not sure if you've heard of either of them.

Do you rate either of these or are there better exam syllabuses out there that I don't know about? It would be really helpful to know your opinions on this.

Thanks!

[the doctor]

Wow this is a really friendly and helpful forum.  Thanks SO much for all your advice.............

[stevehopwood]

I have taught ABRSM for years. In the last 12 months, I have also used Trinity and Rockschool (the latter for older teen boys).

Trinity seem to me to have these advantages over the AB:
- well defined timetabling makes planning easier ('exams will be held in the week beginning.....')
- there are a fraction of the number of scales set by the AB (I regard this as a plus; others disagree).
- the viva section encourages candidates to learn the underlying theory behind the piece.
- the syllabus is much more flexible. Talented youngsters have a wide choice of examination elements.
- there is no grade 5 theory requiste to taking higher grade exams (not everybody agrees with me that this is an advantage, but I don't care  )
- results come through at lightening speed.
- musical playing is highly rewarded (but unmusical playing is more heavily penalised than by the AB).

The big advantage the AB retains in reference to all this is their minimum mark structure; candidates who attempts a section of the exam cannot be awarded less than a certain mark, however badly they do. This means there is a safety net for disasters. Trinity do not have this safety net, so a candidate can be awarded zero in a scetion in which they perform really badly.

My conclusions would upset the AB. They are the safest board for untalented candidates who nevertheless deserve success in low-level amateur exams. Trinity are the board for reasonably talented candidates only.

Hope this helps

Steve 

[the doctor]

Thank for this information.  You obviously know what you are talking about!  I have heard similar things fom other people but find that often parents want their child to do a particular exam board.  I will do some more investigation before I make any decisions!

Thanks again!

[semiquaver]

You probably already know that Trinity and Guildhall are amalgamating. Why don't you go to one of their information sessions. They are holding one in London in June - I've booked a place...
I believe that TrinityGuildhall are going to keep the option of specialist examiners ie a pianist examining a pianist etc although I think this will be limited to certain entry dates.
I tend to agree with Steve's assessment and personally have always favoured the Guildhall Board. However when deciding on the Board I always consider the pupil's needs first and go for the syllabus I feel has the most attractive, rewarding pieces.

The London College of Music also have some great ideas. I love their Leisure play syllabus. As Steve says Rock school material is great too.

[stevehopwood]

You probably already know that Trinity and Guildhall are amalgamating. Why don't you go to one of their information sessions. They are holding one in London in June - I've booked a place...
I believe that TrinityGuildhall are going to keep the option of specialist examiners ie a pianist examining a pianist etc although I think this will be limited to certain entry dates.
I tend to agree with Steve's assessment and personally have always favoured the Guildhall Board. However when deciding on the Board I always consider the pupil's needs first and go for the syllabus I feel has the most attractive, rewarding pieces.

The London College of Music also have some great ideas. I love their Leisure play syllabus. As Steve says Rock school material is great too.

Methinks I detect Margaret from the AB forums. Ehup, Margaret.

Steve